What To Ask Potential House Sitters In The Interview – For House Owners (Free Checklist)

No matter if it’s a weekend away, or a month-long trip, finding the right pet sitter is a large part of the preparation. Allowing a stranger into your private sanctuary. And entrusting them with your beloved pets, it can be a very daunting exercise.

It takes a huge amount of trust on a homeowner’s part. After all, you want to enjoy your holiday, safe in the knowledge that your fur babies are in good hands.

There are some things you can do to prepare yourself, though. Arrange a pre-interview, preferably in person and with your pets.  It’s a great way to help you choose the perfect person for your needs and create a successful experience.

We’ve compiled a list of questions you can ask a potential sitter to get you started; it’s not comprehensive. Tailor the questions to your situation, and this will help you select the best person for the job. In the middle and at the end of the post, there is a comprehensive list of questions you can download.

Prepare Beforehand

Back to basics for this one. Before scheduling any interview, ask for references from previous sits they’ve completed. If you are choosing sitters from a pet sit website, check their profile for feedback. If possible, contact a couple of the previous contacts. Ask about their experience with your potential sitter.

Ask them how their own experience was. Were there any problems?

Did you feel like the sitter was reliable and delivered the level of care expected?

Ask the Sitter To Provide a Criminal Record Check

As confronting as this may sound, it’s common practice. Criminal checks are easy, quick, and reasonably priced – if not free.

Most employers request current criminal record checks these days. The request is not an unusual one. But this simple piece of paper can give you great peace of mind, especially if you are looking at international sitters.

What Do They Enjoy About Pet Sitting?

This question is designed to understand your sitter and their priorities. Ensure the reasoning fits in with your own beliefs about what you believe the house/pet sit should be about.

If their first reaction is ‘free accommodation!’ it could indicate that your pet is not their priority. While saving on travel costs is a factor, it shouldn’t be the sole purpose of pet and house sitting.

What is Their Experience With Pets?

Previous experience with animals is essential. Having a pet may be enough experience for you. However, first-hand experience with many types of animals can show that the sitter is more capable in different situations.

Ask sitters:

• What types of animals have they had experience with?
• How long have they had animal experience?
• Have they dealt with any behavioral or health issues?
• How have they handled challenges that have arisen?

Can They Spend Time With You and Your Pets?

It’s great to have a face-to-face interaction before the sitting assignment.  That allows you to understand the person while seeing how your pet interacts with them. Pets are often a great judge of character! 

You will have the added peace of mind of knowing your pet is happy and settled in the sitter’s company. However, that’s not always possible if your sitter is some distance away. Try a video chat or phone conversation. Trust your instincts.

Do They Have Any Relevant Qualifications?

Ask if your sitter has any relevant skills to bring to the situation.

• Do they know how to keep your property clean and tidy?
• Are they able to maintain plants and gardens, if needed?
• Do they have any first aid or emergency skills? 
• Are they confident walking animals on a leash?

How Often Will They Be at Your House?

This is another important one. Is your sitter prepared to be home for your pet’s needs? Some pets need more attention than others. If you have an animal that requires interaction, a sitter who is out all day and night will not be a great fit.

Ask the question, and ensure the sitter knows the pet care requirements and is willing to meet them.

How Often Can They Communicate With You?

If regular updates are important to you, let your potential sitter know. Please make sure they are comfortable and willing to give you this.

Seeing photos or a quick text message with updates of happy pets can set your mind at ease when you are away. Make sure you find a sitter who is happy to meet your expectations.

How Do They Handle Pet or Home Emergencies?

How would your potential sitter handle emergencies? Ideally, you’d like to find a sitter who can calmly and confidently deal with minor problems, not overreact and contact you with every small issue. The idea is to make your holiday stress-free!

Most homeowners will leave a list of emergency contacts and family or neighbor contact details for any minor issues. Tell them what you consider a contactable issue, and set some guidelines.

Can They Care For Pets With Special Needs?

If your pet has extra needs, requires medication, or has dietary issues, specify these to the sitter. Make sure the sitter is comfortable with any of these special needs.

Do they feel comfortable giving medications or taking the pet to vet appointments? Most sitters will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. They’ve undoubtedly been asked lots of different things over time!

Ask what you need to ask. It’s essential that you feel comfortable and build trust. This person is going to be in charge of your most precious assets!

Picked a House Sitter? Here is How to Prep Your Home

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